New Dubai rent rules will raise prices

Dramatic rent rises allowed in 'below-average' properties

By
Time Out Dubai staff
29 December 2013

Those of you in Dubai who have enjoyed lower rent until now could be in for a more costly ride. Under new rules issued in a decree by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, any property that falls drastically below the average market rate (as determined by the RERA rent index) could be hiked by as much as 20 percent.

For tenants whose rent is 11-20 percent lower than the average for a similar property, prices can be raised five percent; for those paying 21-30 percent less, prices can be raised ten percent; for those paying 31-40 percent less the rise can be 15 percent, and for those paying 40 percent less the rent can be increased by 20 percent. These increases are not mandatory, but at the discretion of your landlord.